James Forrest Signs New Celtic Deal: Veteran Winger Extends Illustrious Career

POLICY WIRE — Glasgow, Scotland — James Forrest, Celtic’s most decorated player, has finalized a new contract that will see him remain with the Scottish giants through the conclusion of the...

Editorial Desk

April 23, 2026 2 Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Glasgow, Scotland — James Forrest, Celtic’s most decorated player, has finalized a new contract that will see him remain with the Scottish giants through the conclusion of the upcoming season.

At 34 years old, the seasoned winger boasts an incredible 26 trophies, a haul that includes an impressive 13 league championships. His career tally stands at 110 goals across 564 competitive appearances for the club.

The Scotland international, who remarkably has netted a goal in every one of his 17 seasons at Celtic Park, expressed profound satisfaction, stating, “I have dedicated my entire career to this club and cherished every moment.”

Forrest’s Enduring Legacy

Speaking to the club’s official digital platform, Forrest elaborated on his decision, emphasizing the team’s historical success during his tenure. He conveyed his commitment to “give his best” for the duration of his stay, hoping to continue contributing and creating more memorable moments before ultimately retiring.

This current campaign has seen Forrest make 36 appearances, notably delivering a significant performance as a substitute in Celtic’s Scottish Cup semi-final victory against St Mirren on Sunday.

Managerial Praise and Future Contributions

Interim manager Martin O’Neill unequivocally expressed his desire for Forrest to conclude his playing career at Celtic, stating, “I truly want James to finish his career here.” He stressed that the primary consideration for offering an extension is a player’s continued value, which Forrest has emphatically demonstrated this season.

O’Neill lauded the winger’s recent impact, particularly his game-changing contributions from the bench, describing them as “absolutely terrific.” He further highlighted that the contract renewal was merit-based, devoid of sentimentality, a testament to Forrest’s sustained high performance. This reflects a broader trend in football where clubs value and retain veteran talent based on merit. Inter Milan recently declared star midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu not for sale amidst transfer speculation, underscoring the importance of core players.

The manager recalled Neil Lennon’s early influence, bringing Forrest through the reserves, and praised his attacking prowess. “He is what I love – I love players who take people on, and he can take people on,” O’Neill remarked, emphasizing the enduring value of his bursts of pace despite his age.